Betty “Joanne” Gardner Doss Baggett April 3, 1932 to June 23, 2023

Betty Joan Gardner was born on April 3, 1932, at her family’s old, two-story farmhouse in Widow Hollow, in Hawkins County, Tn.

Known as a fast walker, sharp dresser, and a sharper wit, Joan was a doll, 4 feet 11 inches of mighty fortitude, well loved and respected by all who knew her. She rarely forgot a name, date, or place, and could rattle off details about acquaintances from 60 years ago. Her memory served her well.

She survived hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes and two beloved husbands, Al Doss, who passed in 1989, and Bill Baggett, who passed in 2007.

Like her older sisters, Mary Parker and Helen Fields, she studied teaching at East Tennessee State University at a time when few men went to college, and even fewer women. After teaching for two years in one and two-room schoolhouses, she found her calling in medicine, working in hospitals and doctors’ offices. She retired after 26 years as a lab technician.

Like her older brother Charlie Gardner, she rode motorcycles and raced cars.

In 2018, after traveling the world and moving more than 30 times, Joan returned to settle in Greeneville, Tn., 14 miles from where she was born. She faithfully attended Chestnut Grove Union Church in Jonesborough, Tn.

She is survived by her daughter Rebecca, grandson Clay Awodey, stepchildren Roc Baggett, Bradley Baggett, Geof Baggett, and Vala Kodish, and nieces and nephews, Dewey Fields and his wife Barbara, Laura Schaeffer, Mack Parker, Helen Parker, Dick Parker, Linda Hogg, and Bette Gardner.

She was 91 when she passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord at Johnson City Medical Center on June 23, 2023. She stayed young until the end.